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To: Salvation
And I am supposed to believe that rather than Catholic tradition?

No but as The Twelve Days of Christmas points out

The key flaw in this theory is that the differences between the Anglican and Catholic churches were largely differences in emphasis and form which were extrinsic to scripture. Although Catholics and Anglicans used different English translations of the Bible (Douai-Reims and the King James version, respectively), all of the religious tenets supposedly preserved by the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" (with the possible exception of the number of sacraments) were shared by Catholics and Anglicans alike:

Conversely, none of the important differences that would obviously distinguish a Catholic from a Protestant is mentioned here
Despite what the nuns taught you, the practice of Chriatianity did not stop in England just because Pope Paul IV ordered English Catholics to commit treason or face excommunication
17 posted on 12/26/2004 6:50:31 PM PST by Oztrich Boy (Never Apologise. Never Explain)
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To: Oztrich Boy

The Twelve Days Of Christmas joyhorn.gif


By Tim Knappenberger

Philippians 1:27-30

"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved--and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. "

In the not-so-tolerant past, music and poetry were often used as media of expression for ideas that were not in fashionable with the contemporary powers that be. Mother Goose rhymes were disguised political commentaries of their day. The Twelve Days of Christmas was written along similar lines. While "surfing", I happened on this history of the carol. There was no author cited:

The English began writing carols in the 15th century, but later the Puritans suppressed these religious songs altogether. After Christmas was restored in England, festive songs praising feasting and good will developed. During this time, Catholics in England could not openly practice their faith. So, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" became popular as a Catechism song for young Catholics, according to Ann Ball's book, "A Handbook of Catholic Sacramentals."

  • Instead of referring to a suitor, the "true love" mentioned in the song refers to God.

  • The "me" receiving the presents is symbolic of every baptized person.

  • The partridge in the pear tree is Jesus Christ, and in the song, He is symbolically presented as a mother partridge who feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings.

    The other symbols carry their own religious meanings:

  • Two turtle doves: The Old and New Testaments

  • Three french hens: Faith, hope and charity

  • Four calling birds: The four Gospels

  • Five gold rings: The first five books of the Old Testament or the Torah

  • Six geese a laying: The six days of creation

  • Seven swans a-swimming: The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit

  • Eight maids a-milking: The eight Beatitudes

  • Nine ladies dancing: The nine fruits of the Holy Spirit

  • Ten lords a-leaping: The Ten Commandments

  • Eleven pipers piping: The eleven faithful disciples

  • Twelve drummers drumming: The twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed

How interesting and sad that a song written to secretly remind Christians about the doctrines of their faith was disguised so well that after 400 years, the secular world more identifies with this carol than do Christians who are mostly unaware of its origins and meanings.

The freedom to exercise our faith in this country is still amazing. Cherish it this Christmas!
---
"Internetspirations" is copyright 1996 by Robert Clemmons and used with the kind permission of the author.

18 posted on 12/26/2004 6:52:41 PM PST by Salvation (†With God all things are possible.†)
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To: Oztrich Boy

That site has so many pop ups on it I won't even go there.


22 posted on 12/26/2004 7:20:09 PM PST by Salvation (†With God all things are possible.†)
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